Side Effects and Benefits of Ashwagandha

Overview of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a stout shrub growing predominantly in and around the Indian subcontinent.  It is also native to Northern Africa and the Middle East.  Today, Ashwagandha is cultivated in temperate climates worldwide, including the United States.
Ashwagandha is a plant in the Solanaceae, or nightshade family, a family of plants which also includes the tomato.  The plant bears yellow flowers and red berry-like fruit.
Its Latin, or scientific name is Withania somnifera.  It is also known by the names Winter Cherry, Indian ginseng, Ajagandha, Kanaje Hindi, Amukkuram in Malayalam and Samm Al Ferakh.
Ashwagandha has a bitter, astringent taste and is considered to be one of the most important herbs in the Ayurvedic pharmacy.

Ashwagandha Uses Throughout History

The Ashwagandha plant has been prized by Ayurvedic healers who discovered that it is beneficial for reducing inflammation and invigorating the body and mind, among other healing properties.  Its roots, fruits, seeds and leaves have all been used; however, most of the herbal medicine available in the West is derived from the roots.¹
Traditionally, Ashwagandha uses have included treatment for:

• nerve exhaustion
• difficulty concentrating
• memory difficulties
• effects of overwork
• insomnia
• fatigue

It has also been used to promote tissue regeneration and to slow the aging process.
In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is used in similar ways to the way Ginseng is used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine, although these two herbs are botanically unrelated.  Ashwagandha has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine for its use as a vitalizer.

Ashwagandha Health Benefits

Ashwagandha is today known primarily as a stress reliever.  It is a mental tonic used to treat depression and anxiety, as well as calming any kind of mental turbulence.
With regards to its beneficial effects on the nervous system, some clinical studies have shown Ashwagandha capsules to be as effective as some tranquilizers and antidepressant drugs.²
In addition, studies have shown Ashwagandha capsules to decrease levels of cell oxidation.³ Cell oxidation, or oxidative stress of cells, results from chronic nervous tension characterized by damage to cell structures.

Ashwagandha Uses and Combinations

With its ability to provide vigour and vitality, Ashwagandha is especially effective for nervous exhaustion caused by stress.  In Ayurvedic medicine, it provides a mild heating energy, with typical Ashwagandha uses reflecting this property.^4-5
Ayurvedic medicine notes that the use of milk can augment the tonic and nutritive effects of Ashwagandha ⁶ , although this is not strictly necessary.  As a bitter herb, Ashwagandha can be prepared in ghee, which is a special type of clarified butter commonly used in India ⁷,  and Ashwagandha combines well with ginseng, a herb of similar properties.⁸

Clinical Studies of Ashwagandha Capsules Show Effects on Brain

At the Institute of Natural Medicine at the Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University in Japan, researchers were able to show that Ashwagandha can help support the reconstruction of synapses in the brain.  This makes it a candidate for further research into Alzheimer’s, a neurodegenerative disease.⁹
Through another study at the same institute, researchers found that Ashwagandha helps to support the growth of nerve cell dendrites, the branches of neurons that conduct the electrochemical stimulation from other neural cells.¹⁰
Researchers also found that Ashwagandha helps to promote the growth of nerve cells.¹¹
Chronic stress can lead to the degeneration of brain cells.  In studies, the administration of Ashwagandha significantly reduced the quantity of degenerative brain cells in cases of chronic stress.¹²
A further study showed that Ashwagandha inhibits the effects of an enzyme (acetylcholinesterase) known to break down chemical messengers in this brain.  In fact, drugs currently used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease use the same process and act in the same manner so as to slow the progression of the disease.¹³

Other Clinical Studies and Clinical Interests in Ashwagandha Uses

Interestingly, several American and Japanese firms have filed for grant of patents on formulations containing extracts of the herb Ashwagandha, which suggests its high potency and future commercial value.
Numerous other studies also suggest possible cancer fighting features, with recommendations for further research into Ashwagandha uses on this front.^14-18

Safety of Ashwagandha Capsules

Studies working with toxicity show that this botanical is well tolerated and safe.¹⁹
In some rare cases, Ashwagandha can increase serum concentrations of thyroid hormones, a problem noted when dosages far exceeded recommended doses.^20-21
Correct dosages of Ashwagandha are important.  Use of Ashwagandha capsules should be discontinued immediately if there is excessive weight loss, rapid heartbeat, increase in nervousness or excessive sweating, among other symptoms, as it may indicate over-stimulation of release of thyroid hormones.
Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy.  It also should not be taken in too high a dosage as it can cause mild digestive upset.  The proper dosage of Ashwagandha should be adhered to.